Supplementing Dairy Cows' Summer and Autumn Diet

The cows mainly grazed pasture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) mixed with red clover (Trifolium pretense) and white clover (Trifolium repens). Besides pasture, cows grazed chicory (Cichorium intybus) in spring. To meet energy requirements and to cope with the seasonal changes in pasture quality and production (Machado et al., 2005 (link)), cows were also fed additional supplements including maize silage (Zea mays) and turnips (Brassica rapa) on various days during the summer and autumn seasons along with main feed (pasture). Supplementary feeds are used when quality pasture is less available, to fill the feed deficits and to support the cows to maintain energy intake and production (DairyNZ, 2022 ). The supplements were only used to provide energy when there was insufficient pasture available especially during summer and autumn. Moreover, the purpose of providing supplements to milking cows in autumn is also to achieve calving body condition score (BCS) targets, if the feeds are not supplemented, cows are more prone to lose as quality pasture is insufficient at that time of the year. Maize silage and turnip stems and leaves as such (in situ) were fed around midday in the paddock. The cows had ad libitum access to drinking water.